Takes All of Us

“Why are you peeing in the park?” I asked. It was a legitimate question because there was a portable restroom about twenty feet away, but it is still an awkward one to ask.

To keep our parks and community spaces accessible we need to work together. Stevens Square Park was suffering from inappropriate public behavior throughout much of 2021, significantly diminishing the park experience for the broader community.  In early spring 2022, a decision was made by community leaders to come together to set a different tone for the park. A community meeting made up of residents, business owners and neighborhood organization leadership was held with MPRB staff to dialog about these challenges and come up with solutions. There has been real progress made through a multi-pronged approach with the community outreach team, park police and recreation programming staff cultivating relationships with park patrons, nearby residents and business owners. We are now seeing great community engagement with the park and children using the playground again. We all have a role to play in ensuring our parks and green spaces are places we all can enjoy together.